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July 25, 2025
1 views7-Day Hangzhou Couples Travel Guide: History, Culture & Mid-Range Luxury
Explore Hangzhou's poetic charm through ancient temples, cultural heritage, and romantic lakeside moments
Couples TravelHistory & CultureMid-Range Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: East China
Famous For: West Lake Scenery,Lingyin Temple,Silk Culture
Daily Cost: $80-120
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Hangzhou for Romantic Cultural Travel
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms, Autumn (September-November) for clear skies
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) with blooming peach blossoms along West Lake Su Causeway
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) but perfect for experiencing West Lake's lotus blossoms Quyuan Wind荷
🍁Autumn: Cool weather (20-25°C) ideal for exploring Lingyin Temple and West Lake at sunset
❄️Winter: Chilly (5-12°C) offers quiet temple visits and hot spring opportunities at Anlan Spring
Arriving and Leaving Hangzhou
Metro (Lines 1-6), bike-sharing (over 1000 stations), and e-hailing apps like Didi. Renting electric cars through Amap recommended for rural attractions
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
30km from city center with 500+ daily flights. Taxi takes 45min ($25-30), Airport Express Line 1 available ($5)
Hangzhou East Railway Station
HSR hub connecting Shanghai (1h), Beijing (5h). Taxi takes 25min ($10-15), Metro Line 1 connects directly
Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhoods
West Lake District
5-star hotels like The Westlake Mandarin Oriental and boutique inns near Leifeng Pagoda, perfect for lakeside strolls
Qingyin Street
Historic area with Qinghefang Ancient Street, traditional tea houses and proximity to Gongchen Bridge
Qianjiang New City
Modern skyline with Wanda Vista and Four Points by Sheraton, convenient access to Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre
Top Historical & Cultural Attractions
West Lake
UNESCO site with Su Causeway Baochu Pagoda Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and cultural heritage trails Lu Xun Memorial
Lingyin Temple
China's largest Buddhist temple complex with Feilai Peak stone carvings (320-1390 AD) and thousand-hand Guanyin statue
Liangzhu Culture Museum
Showcasing 5,000-year-old jade artifacts from the Liangzhu Civilization, UNESCO World Heritage Site with VR archaeological experiences
Tips
Book tickets online at least 2 days in advance for West Lake cruises and Lingyin Temple entry
What to Eat: Hangzhou Cuisine Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Lou Wai Lou
187 years old lakeside restaurant serving traditional Hangzhou cuisine with seasonal specialties
2. Huiyuan Restaurant
Modern take on classic dishes with private rooms for couples, famous for tea-smoked duck
3. Zhiweiguan
Local favorite for budget-friendly dim sum and Hangzhou snacks like rice flour noodles
Signature Dishes
1. West Lake Vinegar Fish
Sweet & sour grass carp from West Lake, best at Lou Wai Lou with lake views
2. Dongpo Pork
Slow-braised pork belly invented by Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, recommended at Lou Wai Lou or Huiyuan Restaurant
3. Dragon Well Shrimp
Wok-fried shrimp with Longjing tea leaves, signature dish at Xinbailou Restaurant near West Lake
Hangzhou Itineraries 7 Days & 3 Days Options
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Zhiweiguan:Try West Lake lotus seed congee and scallion pancakes
Visit Leifeng Pagoda:Panoramic West Lake views and legend of White Snake Story interactive exhibits
🥗Lunch at Xinbailou:Try West Lake Vinegar Fish and Longjing Shrimp
Tea Ceremony at Longjing Village:Participate in Longjing tea ceremony with tea field views
🍽️Dinner at Westlake 12:Fine dining with Hangzhou signatures like Dongpo Pork and Osmanthus Duck
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Hangzhou Marriott:International buffet with local dim sum options
Explore Lingyin Temple:Visit Hall of Heavenly Kings and Buddha statues, time for prayer rituals
🥗Lunch at Lingyin Vegetarian Restaurant:Try Buddhist vegetarian feast with mock meats
Stroll in Huxin Pavilion Garden:Traditional Chinese garden with koi ponds and pavilions
🍽️Dinner at Hangzhou Mixc:Modern Hangzhou cuisine with city views from 37F
DAY 3
Visit China National Silk Museum:Trace silk history from Han Dynasty to modern fashion
🥗Lunch at Shangri-La Hotel:Silk Road themed buffet with Hangzhou-Western fusion
Gongchen Bridge & Qinghefang Ancient Street:Explore traditional crafts and teahouses in preserved Qing dynasty architecture
🍽️Dinner at Qinghefang Teahouse:Cultural performance with Longjing tea pairing
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Xixi National Wetland Park:Eco-friendly dining with local river delicacies
Xixi Wetland Boat Tour:Paddle boat ride through waterways with seasonal flower views
🥗Lunch at Xixi Wetland Restaurant:Try steamed water shield leaves and freshwater shrimp
Longjing Tea Village Exploration:Tea plucking experience and tasting at family-run plantations
🍽️Dinner at Shikumen:Shanghai-Hangzhou fusion cuisine with nostalgic 1920s decor
DAY 5
Visit Liangzhu Archaeological Site:UNESCO site with interactive VR archaeological simulations
🥗Lunch at Liangzhu Culture Village:Modern countryside restaurant with farm-to-table concept
Liangzhu Culture Museum:See 5,000-year-old jade artifacts and ceremonial objects
🍽️Dinner at Hangzhou Mixc:Modern Hangzhou cuisine with city views from 37F
DAY 6
Beckwith Park Cultural Tour:Oil refinery turned art district with indie galleries and craft workshops
🥗Lunch at Canal Side Bistro:Pan-Asian fusion with Hangzhou ingredients
Grand Canal Museum Exploration:Interactive exhibits on canal trade history and boat engineering
Handicraft Workshop:Create silk embroidery or bamboo weaving souvenirs
🍽️Dinner at Beijing Road:Street food tasting with local favorites like fried duck hearts and osmanthus cake
DAY 7
Visit Alibaba West Lake Campus:Tech innovation showcase with interactive digital art installations
🥗Lunch at Yunjin Restaurant:Tech-themed dining with AI-assisted service
Olympic Sports Centre Tour:Visit the 'Big Lotus' stadium and smart city exhibition center
Sunset at Qiantang River Bridge:View the river meeting Hangzhou Bay with bridge light show preparation
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Ritz-Carlton:Degustation menu combining Hangzhou traditions with molecular gastronomy
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